Mystery and Suspense, Flavored with Folklore

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It’s Time for a Change…I Think, by Mae Clair

I know I’ve been scarce lately, but I’m hoping to get back to regular blogging soon. I miss not doing regular posts. I’ve been keeping busy writing and editing, but I’ve also been doing a lot of thinking about my blog in general. The conclusion?

It’s time to do some remodeling. I designed the look of this blog to brand me as a romance author with a slant toward mystery and the supernatural. Now, as I move ahead with my writing, my stories focus less on romance and more on mystery and suspense. My brand should reflect that but the idea of change has me nervousfrightened white-knuckle terrified!

Why? *gulp*

Will I find new fans and readers? What if I lose old fans and readers? *sheer horror*

I enjoy reading across genres, but not everyone feels the same. I’ve already had a few reviews from romance blogs in the past that labeled my books too complex with too many secondary characters and multiple plot threads.

That was the mystery author in me struggling to emerge. I’ll no longer have to fight that instinct, but at the same time I feel like I’m stepping into an arena where I need to start over again.

I hope my existing readers will stay with me as I make the transition (okay, begging a bit here, LOL!). My Point Pleasant Series (a.k.a Mothman) still has a dash of romance, but the romance has shifted to the background rather than commanding the spotlight. That’s the path I see my writing heading in the future. Mythology, folklore, and the unusual will always play an integral part, so some of the branding I’ve done over the last three years still fits that particular niche.

And I still have a romantic novella releasing in November. FOOD FOR POE is a romantic read that combines folklore and the paranormal with a Christmas-time setting. One final offering before I catch the midnight train to the land of mystery and suspense.

Right now I’m rethinking everything from my email tag/signature, to my blog and web mastheads, Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ mastheads. Hopefully, I’m not over analyzing. It’s not a huge leap from romantic mysteries to suspense, but it is a leap. Some social sites only need minor changes, but others require a major revamping. That’s going to be most evident on my blog and website as I work on a new look.

So…change is coming.

How soon I’m not certain. But if you happen on hop over to my spot in the blogosphere one day and it looks completely different, don’t freak! It’s just me embracing the mystery/suspense genre. I hope you’ll remain a blog follower and come along for the ride. It’s going to be a “thrilling and mysterious” journey! 😀

Thanks for that. I still love romance, but I favor (mostly) complex plots and storylines. Those don’t always work well with romantic fiction. I’m really pleased with my work on the Point Pleasant Series, which tells me that’s where I need to linger. 🙂

Thanks, L.J. I know several authors who write in different genres, but they usually do it under varying pen names. I’ve dipped my toe deeper into the mystery/suspense pool with my last two releases. Now I think it’s time to dive in 😀

I’ve been dipping in contemp romance and loving it. I think it’s great if you can write so many different genres! Keep it all under one name and then your readers may just decide to try something new if they haven’t already 😊

I see change is coming! I have to say I am happy for you; you have been wanting to be a writer for so, so long and I know romance is NOT what you want. I know that you will succeed in the genre that you want to be in….not forced to be in. And that, my dear, is major kudos to you!! We, so many times, live our lives the way others want us to at the expense of our OWN happiness. Why be a writer if you can’t write what is close to your heart? I WILL ALWAYS be a fan, as I am sure many of your other followers will be. My hat is off to you for stepping into the limelight you so richly deserve!! Write on girlfriend, I see great things ahead for you.

You’ve heard me talk about being a writer since we were kids. Now it’s actually happened. I guess I’ve been taking it in steps…writing romance, then dabbling in mystery, now making the full transition. Glad to know I will always have you cheering me on! 🙂

Sounds like a natural progression to me, Mae. If it feels right, then do it. I like the cross-genre stuff, but it’s been tough to find an agent who works with it (the mss I’m querying is mystery (police/detective) with an element of psychic and a dash of SF). I’ll be right here cheering for you!

Thank you for that, Julie. And the ms you’re querying sounds like something I would love, so I hope it finds a home. I think more and more genres are blurring lines these days, so hopefully, we’ll both do well! 🙂

You’ll always have me as a fan no matter what you write. I read across genres a lot, so romance, mystery, thrillers, even horrors interest me. I like a little bit of a romantic thread in all genres, but it’s not necessary. I’m so glad I started reading your books because I think you have an amazing talent. But now I’ve read them all, so I can’t wait for the next one! 🙂

Lauralynn, I’m so excited we connected! Your taste in books is a lot like mine…and I generally like that little thread of romance too (even in the horror novels I read). The PP Series will have that, just be more focused on the mystery of what’s taking place in the town. So glad to know you’ll be looking forward to it. 🙂

And many thanks for the kind words and reading my collection of novels. I’m thrilled to hear how much you liked them! *Snoopy dance*

Change is scary, but you’ll make the transition well, Mae. I’ve seen other authors make a move to their natural storytelling bent and their stories are stronger for it. Embrace the change and know as fans, we’re here in your corner for you!

Oh, why fear the change? I, for one, remain your devoted fan. Myth and Magic, The Twelfth Sun, Eclipse lake, Solstice Island already reveal your natural talent for romantic mystery. A genre I always enjoyed. I prefer it to pure romance. So brace up and don’t be afraid. I’m sure your fans will follow you in the new endeavor. Good luck!
Carmen

Thanks for the well wishes, Carmen. I loved weaving mystery into all of those novels…twining the threads of mystery and romance. It’s been exciting finding my true footing, and venturing further into the realm I enjoy most. I’ve made so many great friends along the way and am thrilled for all of the support. 🙂

Mae, it can be scary to try something new, especially when we think it might alienate the readership we’ve built up. But part of the fun of being a writer is trying new things and seeing where those “what if” scenarios take us. It gives us a chance to stretch our comfort zone completely out of shape. If we didn’t expand, we’d get bored and frustrated and maybe even hit a writer’s block. I’m excited to see what you come up with next. You can count on me being a lifelong fan. 🙂

Aww, you are so sweet. You are one of the very first people I connected with online and I truly value your friendship and support. You are so right about becoming frustrated when we don’t expand our horizons. I’m excited to be moving ahead and humbled to have the support of my long-time friends. 😀

Thanks, Flossie for your lovely words and support. I’m nervous about switching things up, but given it isn’t that big of a step out of my normal arena, I’m keeping my fingers crossed it all works out. It’s wonderful knowing I have the support of my friends and fellow authors! 🙂

Change is good, although usually quite a frightening prospect, for me at least.
I love my paranormal and supernatural stories, as you well know! A touch of romance is always great, but I tend to prefer the romance to be a little more in the background.
I can’t wait to read your new stuff and see what branding you come up with for your online sites.
It’s all good, Mae. 🙂

I’m excited about the new look, Emma. I’ve got most of it finalized, I’m just waiting to load it when I can write a post to go along with the new look. Scary, yes, but so exciting, too. And I’m much like you. I enjoy romance, but I’d rather it not be the main focus of the story. I will always have a touch of the “weird” or paranormal, I think, because of love that splash of “odd.” Thanks so much for your wonderful support! 🙂